The University of Arizona

About the University of Arizona

As a public research university serving the diverse citizens of Arizona and beyond, the mission of the University of Arizona is to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that engages our students in discovery through research and broad-based scholarship. We aim to empower our graduates to be leaders in solving complex societal problems. Whether in teaching, research, outreach or student engagement, access and quality are the defining attributes of the University of Arizona’s mission

The College of Fine Arts at The University of Arizona consists of four professional schools: the Schools of Art, Dance, Music, and the newly redesigned School of Theatre, Film and Television.  Accomplished faculty and alumni contribute to the College’s world-class reputation and to Tucson’s popular identity as ‘The City of Arts.’ 

As artists, designers, educators, and scholars of the arts, we are committed to the continued expansion of our knowledge, talents, and skills.  Our goal is to integrate new art forms and innovative technologies with strong foundations and traditional studies. The blending of ‘cutting edge’ innovation and conservatory-style training, underpinned by academic rigor, prepares students in all disciplines for successful careers in the arts.

College of Fine Arts

The College of Fine Arts consists of four professional schools: Art, Dance, Music and Theatre, Film and Television. The mission of the college is to prepare students to create, to teach, to participate in, to understand and to value the arts. Fine Arts faculty members sustain excellence in teaching, creative expression, and research in the arts and are a source of creation, knowledge, and inspiration about the arts for Arizona and the nation.

Degree Programs

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona offers liberal arts (Bachelor of Arts) and professional undergraduate (Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music) degrees, through the School of Art, School of Dance, School of Media Arts, School of Music and School of Theatre Arts.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees are broadly constructed programs where students develop an understanding of their primary academic area, called their major. Their studies are matched by the completion of a required minor, often selected to complement the major. Applicants to the BA degrees must successfully complete a College of Fine Arts application process and be admitted to a specific major.

• art history
• media arts (film & television studies)
• media arts (producing)
• music
• studio art
• theatre arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees are designed for students who want to focus on specific academic, artistic, and career preparation in their arts disciplines. Applicants to the BFA degrees must successfully complete a College of Fine Arts application process and be admitted to a specific major. The application will include an audition/portfolio review process. There may be additional mandatory reviews for continuation in certain professional programs.

• art education
• studio art - two-dimensional studies (painting & drawing, printmaking)
• studio art - three-dimensional studies (ceramics, sculpture)
• studio art - visual communication (graphic design, illustration)
• studio art - photography
• dance (ballet, jazz, & modern)
• media arts (film & video production)
• acting
• musical theatre
• theatre education
• theatre design & technology
• theatre history & dramaturgy

Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees 

The Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees are designed for students who want to focus on specific academic, artistic, and career preparation in their arts disciplines. Applicants to the BM degrees must successfully complete a College of Fine Arts application process and be admitted to a specific major. The application will include an audition/portfolio review process. There may be additional mandatory reviews for continuation in certain professional programs.

• composition
• jazz studies
• music education - instrumental
• music education - vocal
• performance - baritone
• performance - bassoon
• performance - cello
• performance - clarinet
• performance - composition
• performance - flute
• performance - french horn
• performance - guitar
• performance - harp
• performance - harpsichord
• performance - oboe
• performance - organ
• performance - percussion
• performance - piano
• performance - saxophone
• performance - string Bass
• performance - trombone
• performance - trumpet
• performance - tuba
• performance - viola
• performance - violin 
• performance - voice 

For more specific degree information, view your School's website.

• School of Art
• School of Dance
• School of Music
• School of Theatre Film and Television
  • Threatre Program
  • Film and Television Program

Graduate Degree Programs

The College of Fine Arts offers graduate programs leading to MA, MM, MFA, PhD, and DMA degrees, through the School of Art, School of Dance, School of Media Arts, School of Music, School of Theatre Arts, and the Interdisciplinary Digital Arts Program.

Master of Arts degrees (MA) are offered in:

• art education
• art history
• theatre arts education
• theatre studies

Master of Fine Arts degrees (MFA) are offered in:

• dance (choreography, performance)
• studio art
• theatre arts design & technical production

Master of Music degrees (MM) are offered in:

• composition
• conducting
• music education
• musicology
• music theory
• performance/accompanying
• performance/instrumental
• performance/vocal

Doctor of Musical Arts degrees (DMA) are offered in:

• composition
• conducting
• performance

Doctor of Philosophy degrees (PhD) are offered in:

• art history
• music education
• music theory